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L-R: Wife of the President of Germany, Mrs Gerhild Gauck, Deputy Governor of  Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Adebule, President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Joachim Gauck, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, during the visit of the German President to Lagos, yesterday

L-R: Wife of the President of Germany, Mrs Gerhild Gauck, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Adebule, President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Joachim Gauck, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, during the visit of the German President to Lagos, yesterday

Adamawa
Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management
Agency, Mr Haruna Furo,  said that about 90 per cent of Internally Displaced Persons in the various camps in the state had returned home.
Furo, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola, said the affected persons were from seven local government areas of the state.
“Following recapturing of the areas and return of normalcy, about 90 per cent of the displaced persons in the camps have left.
“The displaced persons that remain in the camps are those whose villages are at the fringes of Sambisa, who felt it is still not safe to go back home,’’ Furo said.

Borno

No fewer than 1,500 women gave birth in 28 Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno State in 2015, the State Primary Health Care Management Board said in Maiduguri recently.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Sule Mene, told newsmen that the deliveries were recorded between January 2015 and January 2016.
Mene said about 14,600 pregnant women received anti-natal health care, psycho-social services and child nutrition support.
He said that the agency had also received about 1,200 severe medical cases, which were referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for proper care.
The official said the agency had established 20 Integrated Primary Health Care Centres for IDPs in all the camps to provide integrated primary health care and referral services.
“The Borno Government has procured health kits for each of the IDPs to help cater for their immediate needs”.

FCT

The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises De
velopment Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Masari, has urged Nigerian youths to imbibe the culture of entrepreneurship in order to check the high level of unemployment.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Ibrahim Kaula, the Head Corporate Affairs of SMEDAN.
Masari spoke when officials of a youths organisation, “Dogara Youths Vanguard’’ paid him a courtesy visit.
He noted that the challenges of unemployment could best be tackled when the youths keyed into various enterprise development and skill acquisition training programmes being organised by SMEDAN.
“Your best option as young men and women is to imbibe the entrepreneurship skills and development of business ideas through a variety of programmes offered by SMEDAN”.

Kaduna

Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Cen
tral, has given President Muhammadu Buhari tips on how to handle his vacation.
He said Buhari needed rest and must avoid anything that could distract him.
A statement he issued, reads: “These are the 11 things our amiable president should do in order to fully enjoy his five days holidays.
“Shut down your Facebook account for the duration of the holidays. “Freeze your twitter accounts for the duration of the holidays.
“Shut down your phone and get a new foreign SIM card only accessible to your immediate family members and instruct them not to give that number to anyone outside of the family. Nigerian SIM card will always have a way of popping up local news through bulk sms.
“Avoid reading newspapers both foreign and local; and if you must read foreign avoid the Africa section”.

Kano

The former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido,
has called on Nigerian youths to promote unity and peaceful co-existence.
Lamido made the call when the executive members of Arewa Social Media Forum, a Non Governmental Organisation, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.
He said that the call was necessary “because youths are the future leaders of the country and have significant role to play to ensure the sustenance of peace and unity”.
“The main issue before you is to ensure that Nigeria is a country of peace because the future is yours.
“In the next 20 years nobody will talk about Sule Lamido or Buhari even if we are alive, but the legacies we leave behind. So, the future is yours,” he said.
The former governor said that as a social media group, members of the forum had the capacity to enlighten people on the need for peace and unity in the country.

Kogi

Some residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, have
decried the new electricity tariff introduced in February, saying its imposition would only add to their burden.
The residents, some of whom are civil servants who are yet to receive their four months salaries made the statement on Saturday in Lokoja in separate interviews with our correspondent.
Stressing that they had been contending with estimated billings all these years in spite of irregular power supply, the respondents urged the government to suspend the new tariff for now.
Alhaji Ocholi Aku, who lives in Adankolo area in Lokoja, said that some consumers who did not have pre-paid metres were compelled to pay electricity bill amounting to N7, 000 each month.
“How will such consumers be able to cope with the new tariff? As I am speaking I cannot boast of electricity for four hours in a day yet my bill is constant”

Kwara
A group, Kwara State Coalition Group, (KSCG), has ap
pealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and other incorruptible judges in the country to prevail on judges handling various fraud cases to deliver justices with fear of God.
It expressed concern about the rate at which corrupt high profile people in the society were purchasing justices in their own favour.
The group, in a statement issued and signed by Saliu Ajia and Secretary, Batuta Sani said such attitude had given the corrupt elements the confidence that no matter the amount they stole, they would eventually get their way.
KSCG, particularly raised the alarm over a recent alleged move by one of the prominent leaders in the National Assembly, who is facing trial on corruption to lure the judges handling his matter to his own side.
Lagos

The Nigerian Navy has commenced Basic Marine Op
eration Course (BMOC) for 40 policemen on countering maritime crimes, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) has said.
Osinowo, who made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Lagos, said that the training would be held at the Naval Training Command, Apapa.
He said that the training would enable the policemen counter maritime crimes like pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, among others.
“The course, which will last for 12 weeks, is targeted at developing the capacity for marine operations for personnel of the marine wing of the Nigerian Police.

Osun

Erstwhile President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Fri
day doubted the ability of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Federal Government to rescue the abducted Chibok girls alive.
Speaking at an event organised by the Staff Club of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State,
Obasanjo affirmed that anyone saying the girls would return was simply lying.
Obasanjo’s reaction follows severalpromises by the current administration that it would rescue the abducted Chobok girls alive.
Obasanjo blamed the immediate past  President, Goodluck Jonathan for trivialising the distress call to rescue the girls on the day they were abducted.

Oyo

A food scientist with Institute of Agricultural Research
and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan, Dr Elizabeth Farinde,  has urged the Federal Government to fund biotechnology to ensure food security.
Farinde made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
The scientist said that biotechnology was an improved method to boost food production, stressing that it was reliable and fast.
“Although biotechnology is a bit expensive, it will make work easier for farmers as well as enhance production of more food in the country,” she said.

Taraba

The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev.
Charles Hamawa, has urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to redouble its effort in the campaign for national rebirth.
Speaking with newsmen in Jalingo, Hamawa said the country required aggressive ethical orientation to enable it tackle the menace of corruption, insurgency and indiscipline.
The cleric noted that the lack of conformity to ethical values among the people was responsible for most of the troubles confronting the country.

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Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

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Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.

Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.

Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.

The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.

On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.

The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.

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Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

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Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

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The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.

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